SHINOD AKKARAPARAMBIL

Frogs have always been more than just amphibians to me they hold a deep personal significance that dates back to my early years. With their diverse shapes, vibrant hues, and remarkable leaps, they have fascinated me for as long as I can remember. Though I adore all creatures, frogs have always stood out. There was a reason for this. Their protruding eyes, with their astonishing array of colors and patterns, have captivated me since childhood.

I once learned that a frog’s prominent eyes allow it to see in multiple directions forward, to the sides, and even behind. Elders in my community would say, "If the frogs croak loudly, rain is coming." And sure enough, every time their voices rose in chorus, rain would follow. Though I never questioned the science behind it, I was drawn to the deeper connections between frogs and our cultural and natural worlds. Whenever I walked along a river or pond, I marveled at their perfectly timed leaps into the water a sensory delight for both the eyes and ears.

Today, those distinctive leaps and deep, raspy calls are fading. Once a common presence in our daily lives, frogs are becoming scarce due to urbanization. Through watercolor’s fluid and expressive nature, I hope to revive the lost essence of those moments in my artwork. My paintings transform into riverbeds, marshes, and paddy fields, where frogs reclaim their space. Using a blend of blues, greens, browns, and blacks, I reconstruct them based on my inner conflicts torn between nostalgia and the realities of urban life.

On my canvas, frogs appear in different states and behaviors. Each one tells a story, and upon closer examination, you may realize they are all connected just as we are, in ways both seen and unseen.